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Loft conversion

Loft conversion

Planning permission and loft conversions

It will vary so much whether or not you need planning permission for a loft conversion on your property that it is impossible to give advice online. The easiest way to find out is to contact your local planning office at your local authority.
Often the planning department will send out basic information as to what does and doesn't. need planning permission.

They will often suggest that if you've read their planning advice and are still not sure then it is safest to ask them in writing by submitting outline plans and rough drawings of what is intended. They will then be able to tell you whether you need to apply for a planning permission application and what the next steps are.

A loft conversion will depend on the type of house you have.

Again see professional advice as to how much structural work is required and what regulations you need to comply with.

Building regulations are there to protect you and your family and your neighbours. Ensure you comply with them.

You might get an idea if a loft extension or conversion is possible by looking at what your neighbours have done. If you live on a street of identical houses then you will be able to see if neighbours have converted their roof spaces.

If you know people on your street who have converted the loft space then why not get in touch with them and ask if you can see what their conversion is like.

Once you've seen the possibilities you might decide to go ahead and find out more!

If you decide that its sounding like too much work then consult some local building compans who specialise in this sort of work. They will be able to give you advice and guidance. Ask neighbours for recommendations. Builders will give a quote for free - but they'll know when you're just picking their brains!

There are lots of rules relating to fire escape routes from lofts and this may seem to you be excessive. Think about it though - if you were in the loft and a fire broke out what escape route would you like? One that would save your life or one that would save you a few quid?

• Check with your local authority for infomation about planning permission on loft conversions
• Find out about building regulations
• Follow all guidelines

If you don't want to go ahead with a full conversion you can simply instal a loft ladder, basic flooring and a light to allow you to store a small amount of items in the roof space.

How much will it cost? Ask the neighbours what the cost of their loft conversion was. Ask a few builders for quotes. If quotes vary wildly then try to work out why... are some buildings meeting regulations or are others not?

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